Lee Hart via EV wrote:
Though I might add that form has not followed function in
automobiles for a very long time. They are all about styling and
cost. The internals reflect good science and engineering, but the
bodies are almost 100% styling.
Willie via EV wrote:
I can't completely agree with you. Current sedans seem to be pretty
low drag. Especially Tesla. Of course, people complain about them
all looking the same.
They *seem* to be low drag. But it is still mostly styling. Paul
MacCready (of Aerovironment, who designed the Impact EV for GM, which
became the EV-1) noted that most cars are more streamlined in reverse.
He fought endlessly with GM stylists about the difference between what
"looks" aerodynamic, and what actually *is* aerodynamic.
All cars have big air intakes in front (which adds drag). They all have
rough bottoms (a major source of drag). They all have fancy rough
decorative wheels that catch lots of air. The inside of the wheel wells
are very rough, which is doubly bad for drag because the top of the tire
is moving forward at *double* the vehicle's air speed. And of course big
fat tires are all the rage (short skinny tires have much lower drag).
When people build truly aerodynamic vehicles, the general public views
them as "ugly". But they use far less fuel than conventional vehicles.
(The Stella vehicles for example).
I had a bunch of 1980s Isuzu diesel pickups... After about 1995,
nothing comparable to the 80s Isuzus was available. The
Ranger/Mazdas got jacked up so their beds were as inaccessible as
larger pickups. Bah! HumBug! Even the new EV pickups on the
horizon mimic the horrible configurations of current pickups. What
are the designers thinking? What are the buyers thinking?
I'm with you there! I had a 1974 Datsun pickup (which I converted into
an EV). They were great little trucks! Modern pickups are all about
style, and nothing to do with being good trucks.
All show, no go.
--
The belief that there is only one truth, and that oneself is in
possession of it, is the root of all evil in the world. (Max Born)
--
Lee Hart, 814 8th Ave N, Sartell MN 56377, www.sunrise-ev.com
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